Dubai Archives - Nicola Ann Art

Jul 24

by Nicola in Architecture, Cities, Dubai 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Burj Khalifa, Burj Lake, Dancing Fountain, Dubai, Dubai at night, The Dubai Fountain, The Dubai Mall

Dubai Fountain at The Dubai Mall

Upon collecting my new Nikon camera while in Dubai, the next best experience was The Dubai Fountain dancing over Burj Lake in front of the impressive Burj Khalifa at The Dubai Mall – where I put my camera to the test. I think it passed.

Jul 03

by Nicola in Architecture, Cities, Dubai 2 comments tags: Architecture, BeanOn Photography, Dubai, Dubai: Holy Month of Ramadan, Exploring, Ramadan, Shiehk Zayed Road, Skyscrapers, UAE, United Arab Emirates

Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan

If unable to abstain from eating out in public during daylight hours then avoid Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan (6th June to 5th July 2016). It’s easier than I think; all eateries are closed during the day and only open after sunset, all forms of temptation at bay. Fortunately, I am staying with a friend and am able to order food in when required. Brazen violation of the rules is not only deemed offensive (would you believe?), it can land you in a pickle with the authorities, ranging from warnings or fines issued by the police to a stint in prison. Don’t smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public during the hours of sunrise to sunset. Don’t wear revealing or tight fitting clothes in public, as modesty is key during Ramadan. This includes when heading for a night out. Don’t dance, sing or be intoxicated in public at any time. Don’t play loud music in public; always use headphones. Don’t swear in public. Blasphemy is condemned at the best of times, but during the Holy Month of Ramadan it’s particularly offensive. As some of you may notice, I am back […]

Sep 06

by Nicola in Architecture, Beach, Cities, Dubai 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Burji Khalifa, Du, Dubai, Dubai City of Gold, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Skyscrapers, Souk Al Bahar, The Address Hotel, United Arab Emirates

Back in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Back in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, I found myself rediscovering the old, the new, the opulent, the real, the surreal all from different angles. The heat during this visit appeared as oppressive as when I previously visited Dubai in June; the only differences being a strong hot wind and even more haze, dulling the sky. The day before I arrived there were warnings issued due to a devilish sandstorm. Perhaps the strong winds were the remnants of the storm. Resistance was futile when it came to photographing more of the impressive skyscrapers along the Sheikh Zayed Road. Friday night I visited the Dubai Fountain along with just about every tourist and resident in Dubai. I couldn’t believe the hoards of people patiently waiting for the dancing fountain, all vying for prime viewing spots. The surrounding restaurants were buzzing, and while walking through Dubai Mall, sidestepping families, I expected the mall to be empty, everyone at the fountain, but no, it too was heaving. Back at Dubai Creek, we started off at the Deira side, wandered through the Gold Souk and caught a Abra (water taxi) for 1 dirham (£0.18) each to Bur Dubai where two of […]

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, the place for bargain hunting. Discovering the charm of Old Dubai, a clear geographical and cultural divide from New Dubai, had me enthralled. The city first began to grow around Dubai Creek, where it is still used today for importing and exporting goods to and from different areas. Also, the creek’s waterways are still used as commuter lanes where passengers cheaply cross to and from Bur Dubai to Deira on the brightly decorated wooden dhows. Dubai Museum, in the Bastkiya area, is located within the city’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort, which was erected in 1787. The house of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1912-1958, is considered to be one of the most important buildings in Dubai as it once housed a ruler. This is definitely the place for bargain hunting within the souks: the spice souk (be prepared for a surrender of all senses), textile souk (best pashminas ever seen, but the thought of buying one in such heat completely deluded me) and the gold souk. Abundant food stalls selling tasty finger foods are worth sampling […]

Jun 23

by Nicola in Architecture, Cities, Dubai 0 comments tags: Architecture, BeanOn Photography, Dubai, Emirates Towers, Exploring, Middle East, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sky-rises, The New Dubai

Dubai Diary: The New Dubai

Dubai Diary: The New Dubai, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, the most expensive area in the Middle East. Once the emirate became rich from the discovery of oil in 1966, grand developments began to spring up along Sheikh Zayed Road. By 1980 the annual oil income dropped to an all-time low, and forced the city to come up with other ways to make money. Its reinvention as a tourist destination began in the mid-1980s, and the Emirates airline was established. Based at the Emirates Towers on the 41st floor with stunning views of New Dubai, I enjoyed an early morning stroll along the Sheikh Zayed Road, both north and south sides, and marvelled at the diverse architecture. Again, by 8:30am the temperature was stifling at 37 degrees Celsius with 47% humidity; however, it felt like 100% humidity. A respite from the heat, I discovered an air-conditioned bus shelter where I sat for a few minutes, people-watching. Yes, an enclosed bus shelter that’s perfectly air-conditioned. I bet the buses are air-conditioned too? The photographs simply don’t do the scale of the buildings any justice. You absolutely have to see it to believe it. I […]

Jun 19

by Nicola in Beach, Dubai, Nature, Swimming 0 comments tags: beach, BeanOn Photography, Dubai, Dubai Sailing Club, Early morning, Exploring, free beach, Jumeirah open beach, nature, running track, Umm Suqeim

Dubai Diary: A Free Beach

My Dubai Diary: A Free Beach, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, that’s too hot to handle. We explored Jumeirah open beach, the free stretch of sand running the length of Umm Suqeim (known as Kite Beach due to its popularity with the city’s kite-surfers) to Dubai Sailing Club. At 8am, with the temperature a mere 35 degrees Celsius and stifling humidity, we walked for about 9kms along the wooden walk way and soft, spongy running track, awash with joggers. If I were even to attempt a run along the track I’d definitely start before the sun rises at 5:30am. As the searing heat drained the last drop of moisture from my body, we caught an air-conditioned taxi back to where we’d started. I’ve never in all my life appreciated air-conditioning. Even during Durban’s summers I’d refrain from sleeping in air-conditioning and settle for a fan. But not here… Not even if one paid me. Should I ever visit again it shall be during their winter, which is around 25 degrees Celsius, a more comfortable temperature indeed! The rules of the beach included no wearing of swimming gear beyond the sand; male and female changing huts […]

Jun 16

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Dubai, Nature, Off-Road, Safari, Sunset 4 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, bbq, BeanOn Photography, camel riding, Desert Safari, Dubai Desert, Dubai Diary, dune bashing, Exploring, Marsh Fun Travel & Tours, nature, Off-road, quad-biking, Sunset

Dubai Diary: Dubai-Desert-Safari

My Dubai Diary, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, a thrill-seeking 4×4 dune bashing during a Dubai-Desert-Safari. Just after 3:30pm a driver from Marsh Fun Travel & Tours picked us up and drove us, just over an hour to the desert. As they offer tailor-made itineraries, we opted to hire a 4×4 vehicle and driver for just the two of us (ooh there’s a song in that somewhere…) to avoid sharing with other tourists. Just before the 4-wheel-drive safari started, we were able to freshen up, drink tea or water while the tyres on the vehicle were deflated. A hot wind didn’t provide any relief from the 40 degree Celsius heat and 69% humidity. Durban’s mild, cool even, in comparison to Dubai. Almost 20 minutes of already dune bashing, the driver asked if we wanted to experience speed. “Yes,” I shouted excitedly. Oh how I wished I had my Suzuki Jimny – it made me ache with nostalgia, and especially crave off-roading in KwaZulu-Natal. The driver sped up to a high ridge of a dune and the vehicle had to be counter steered so as not to flip and roll down the other side. Oh so […]

Jun 13

by Nicola in Cities, Dubai, Fashion 0 comments tags: Burji Khalifa, Creek Harbour, Dubai, Dubai Festival City Mall, Fly Emirates, Middle East, Shopping, Ski Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Aquarium, The Dubai Mall, The Mall Of The Emirates

Dubai Diary: Travel & Shopping

My Dubai Diary, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, begins with travel and shopping. Travel A mild panic set in when the first leg of the train journey to Gatwick airport was delayed. It always pays to give oneself plenty of extra time when relying on rail services even from a first world country… With England’s sky more grey than blue and the wind inflicting heavy breaths of chill, I most looked forward to real heat again; a constant heat that reaches my bones. My first experience on Emirates and I’d definitely repeat it anytime, especially when the food served on board was concerned. Appetiser: Tuna salad with new potatoes and olives; Main course: Pan-fried salmon with sundried tomatoes and herb butter, saffron risotto and seasonal vegetables; Dessert: Chocolate mousse with cherry compote. And then afternoon tea: assorted reception sandwiches, scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Tea or coffee and unlimited complimentary alcohol for those that need it… Sounded too divine to be true but believe me when I state: This was the best food I’ve ever eaten on a Boeing. And I’ve flown on many Boeings in my lifetime. When I arrived at […]